AQUAMAN/JABBERJAW SPECIAL #1 DC COMICS
I cringed as I read the listings that showed the latest batch of anamorphic crossovers with the DC and Hanna Barbera universes. But luckily in this one-shot, Dan Abnett not only provides a logical reason for the meeting but provides humor and an interesting cameo of a certain underwater base and a certain 60’s cartoon featuring a certain king of the seas. Paul Pelletier’s pencil work is classic and displays great visuals as we travel into the future. Add in a bit of a rib tickler featuring a debate between the Spectre and the wizard Shazam over Captain Caveman and this makes for a very entertaining and thought provoking book. I give it a 7 out 10 Grahams.
MAN OF STEEL #1 DC COMICS
Well, a third go around for the Man of Steel title and a new #1 issue. This in itself is nothing new. What is new is Bendis’s concept and no I don’t mean the all-encompassing unstoppable warrior with a mean on for all things Krypton. I refer to the quirkiness of the characters especially new character Deputy Fire Chief Melody Moore who seems to have caught the attention of the Man of Steel himself. However, with this book being a weekly outing, I fear that it will lose its oomph quickly even with Ivan Reis’s beautiful pencil work. And yet again, I am forced to point out the dangers of overflooding the market. Couldn’t we have given Bendis control of one of the existing Superman titles? I give it a 7 out of 10 Grahams.
AMAZING SPIDER-MAN #800 MARVEL COMICS
Another Milestone hits the Marvel universe. And finally it’s done right. And while I could do without the multiple symbiotes, this ending has a great flowing narrative and it was great to see the secondary characters of the Spider Man universe step up to the plate. The creative teams all bring their A game and in the end, the only real problem I had with the story was the absolute ending which reminded me of a movie featuring another super-hero. All in all a great read that deserved to be in an issue #800. I give it a 9 out of 10 Grahams.
FLASH/SPEED BUGGY SPECIAL #1 DC COMICS
After a disasterous start, DC seems to be managing their DC/Hanna Barbera crossovers with a little more sense. I am still a bit morally outraged at the cartoon characters of my younger years being turned into more live action versions, Scott Lobdell’s entertaining story makes the Speed Buggy story work. And best of all, is that he manages to capture some humor as well. And, of course, all of the cameos strewn throughout the book are jaw-dropping. I give it a 7 out of 10 Grahams.
BLACK LIGHTNING/HONG KONG PHOOEY SPECIAL #1 DC COMICS
While it was fun to see Black Lightning in his original outfit, I simply couldn’t get past the modern life like version of Hong Kong Phooey. This serious, almost spiritual version of the beloved cartoon icon doesn’t get to jump into a file cabinet, drive the all purpose car, or have the characters from the police station. Hong Kong’s dialog could not have been spoken by Scatman Cruthers. This is a perfect case of why DC should have taken the real cartoon aspect of these characters and left well enough alone. These are characters which are suppose to look odd and goofy, don’t have the same impact as their new life like counterparts. I give it a 6 out of 10 Grahams.
DOOMSDAY CLOCK #5 DC COMICS
Remember what happened last issue? Yeah, me neither since I reviewed it all the way back in March! Deadlines, people! But unfortunately I can’t get that mad. Geoff Johns tale is gaining momentum. With cameos galore (enough to keep this old fan giggling like a school girl)the DC Universe is quickly de-evolving into chaos and this time the world may not come out on top. More on the JSA! Lois Lane on the warpath! And definitely read the news magazine after the story. Its chock full of goodness! I give it an 8 out of 10 Grahams.
